Is Japan Really That Expensive to Live In?

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A Realistic Look
Is Japan Really That Expensive?

When most people think about living in Japan, the first assumption is that Tokyo must be unaffordable. Skyscrapers, packed trains, and neon lights give the impression of a city where rent and food costs are sky-high.

But the reality is more nuanced. Compared to cities like New York, London, or Sydney, Japan’s major metros are surprisingly affordable, especially once you look beyond Tokyo’s luxury neighborhoods.

Let’s break down what life actually costs in three popular cities: Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka.

The Capital
Tokyo

Tokyo has a reputation for being expensive, but average rents are more forgiving than people expect. A one-bedroom apartment outside the central Yamanote Line can run between ¥80,000–¥100,000/month ($550–$700).

Food costs are stable: groceries average around ¥40,000/month for a single person, and eating out is reasonable with a bowl of ramen for ¥800 or a full lunch set for ¥1,000.

Utilities (electricity, water, gas, internet) add roughly ¥15,000–¥20,000/month.

For many young professionals, Tokyo life can be managed on a budget of ¥150,000–¥180,000/month before taxes.

The Kansai Hub
Osaka

Osaka, Japan’s second city, is consistently more affordable than Tokyo. Apartments of similar size cost around ¥60,000–¥80,000/month ($400–$550), with some good options even in central neighborhoods.

Food is slightly cheaper than Tokyo, with more affordable dining options, a casual dinner can be under ¥700, and groceries average around ¥35,000/month.

Utilities and transport are comparable, though commutes can be shorter if you live close to the Midosuji subway line.

Living in Osaka often runs ¥130,000–¥160,000/month for singles.

Japan’s Rising City
Fukuoka

Fukuoka, on the island of Kyushu, has become a hotspot for startups and foreign workers thanks to its lower cost of living and livable size.

A one-bedroom apartment can be found for ¥50,000–¥70,000/month, making rent significantly cheaper than Tokyo.

Groceries and dining are among the most affordable of Japan’s big cities, expect ¥30,000–¥35,000/month for food.

Utilities are slightly lower too, averaging ¥12,000–¥15,000/month.

A realistic monthly budget in Fukuoka: ¥110,000–¥140,000.

See for Yourself
Japan Cost Estimator

If you want a customized snapshot of what life in Japan could cost you: rent, food, transport, entertainment, everything, try Numbeo’s Japan Cost of Living Estimator.

It’s crowd-sourced, updated regularly, and matches closely with the estimates above.

Sharehouses & Co-Living
A Lower-Cost Option

One way to reduce expenses even further is by choosing a sharehouse instead of renting your own apartment.

• Oakhouse (Tokyo) — Share rooms from about ¥46,750/month, often including utilities. (Oakhouse)

• YourHomeInJapan — Shared rooms range ¥55,000–¥70,000/month, usually with short-term contracts and furnished options. (YourHomeInJapan)

• XROSS HOUSE — Rooms starting around ¥30,000, with utilities and WiFi included. (Xross House)

While you trade some privacy, sharehouses can cut your monthly housing costs by 30–50% and make it easier to settle in quickly. Many also foster communities of Japanese and international residents, which can help with networking and language learning.

CONCLUSION
What This Means for You

Moving to Japan doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. While Tokyo has the highest costs, they’re still modest compared to many Western capitals. And cities like Osaka and Fukuoka show that you can live comfortably with even more room in your budget.

If you’re flexible with housing, or willing to consider sharehouses, your costs can drop even further.

The bottom line: Japan’s cost of living is often far less intimidating than its reputation suggests. With smart planning, you can live well here without overspending.

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